MEDIA
The Kayode Tijani That I Knew! –
TRIBUTE BY ISRAEL TOPE AGBOOLA.
In 1986, amidst our quest for knowledge, we found ourselves united in the halls of school during our HSC A/Levels in Lagos.
At that time, it was undeniable that your passion for football and novels burned brightly. A year later, you embarked on a journey to the Nigeria Institute of Journalism, while I set my sights on the University of Lagos.
You had to navigate the journalism landscape, making your mark in various outlets such as The Guardian, Complete Sports, Fame Magazine, Channels Television, and independent production.
However, our paths did not intersect during this period. It wasn’t until a cold morning in December 2002 that our lives intertwined once again.
You were part of a media delegation led by Dr. Amos Adamu that visited AIT in Lagos. Coincidentally, I had just finished presenting Kakaaki Sports News, and we unexpectedly crossed paths at the studio entrance.
It was a moment of pure joy. Soon after, you visited my home and formed a lasting friendship with my late younger brother, Dr. Julius Ibukun Agboola.
Fate had another surprise in store for us as we ran into each other again in London in 2006. While I was stationed at the BBC office in Bush House, Aldwych, you would regularly stroll down from the BEN TV studio in Tottenham Court Area to meet me.
By then, you had finished your programme, ABC Sport. Often, we would sit in one of the cafés near the London School of Economics.
Our conversations would barely begin before fans recognised you and showered you with praise. It came as no surprise when Dr. Mumuni Alao visited London and compared your popularity to that of Michael Jackson every time you ventured out together.
Together, we conducted numerous captivating interviews with sports stars like Kelly Holmes, David Hayes, and Eniola Aluko.
Kayode, you were a wealth of knowledge, shining like a thousand stars, leaving those we interviewed in awe. I attended many of your programmes on ABC Sport alongside Wunmi Lily’s Mum Thomas and your friend, Akeem Oyetunji.
Not long after, a Christian television station called Revelation TV headhunted you. They did not care about your Muslim faith, as the station’s founder, Howard Conder, assured me that “Kayode is a good man.”
Though accolades followed you wherever you went, there was a persistent desire within you to relocate your family abroad.
One evening, as we strolled from my place on Kennington Road, Waterloo, you shared your plans to establish a Sports Archive in Nigeria, bringing you closer to your loved ones.
Our conversation consumed us as we unknowingly passed Holborn Station. Astounded by the distance covered, we decided to conclude our discussion at your place in Shoreditch.
Just a month later, you were back in Nigeria. Since your return, there was a slight drift between us as our communication significantly decreased, especially before you fell ill.
Your memory would resurface whenever Cable News ‘Kisu Sulola, the sister of my friend and former room-mate at Unilag, Bidemi Sulola, called inquiring, “Have you heard from your friend?”
Unfortunately, the news of your passing reached me this week after Nigeria’s victory over South Africa in the ongoing AFCON 2024 in Cote d’Ivoire.
I will forever be grateful for your help and support during the passing of my brother and your dear friend in 2016.
It was you who inspired me to establish the Dr. Julius Ibukun Agboola Endowment, which continues to provide support for the best-graduating student in Marine Science at the University of Lagos.
Thank you for the time and unforgettable moments we shared. I will not shed tears because it is over, but instead, I will smile because fate allowed it to happen. Please convey my deepest regards to my brother and your friend, IBK.
May the just man find eternal rest.
In a disturbing development highlighting the dangers faced by journalists in North Africa, French sports reporter Christophe Gleizes has been sentenced to seven years in prison by an Algerian court for simply doing his job.
Gleizes, a contributor to acclaimed French publications So Foot and Society, was convicted on Sunday, June 29, by the Tizi Ouzou court on charges of “apology for terrorism” and “possession of publications intended to spread propaganda that harms the national interest.” An immediate arrest warrant was issued.
The verdict has sparked outrage in press freedom circles and sports journalism communities, as observers label the trial as politically motivated and devoid of credible evidence.
Gleizes, co-author of the investigative book Magique Système, which explores the exploitation of African footballers, had travelled to Algeria in spring 2024 to research a story on JS Kabylie—one of the country’s most storied football clubs from the 1980s. He was also preparing a tribute to the late Cameroonian footballer Albert Ebossé, who died under mysterious circumstances after a match in Algeria in 2014.
His arrest on May 28, 2024, was reportedly linked to past online exchanges (from 2015 and 2017) with a local football club figure associated with the Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylia (MAK), a group banned in Algeria. However, his 2024 interactions were reportedly limited strictly to football-related inquiries for his feature on JSK.
For over a year, Gleizes had been trapped in Algeria under judicial supervision, barred from leaving the country—a form of de facto house arrest. Now, with a harsh prison sentence handed down, the case is seen as yet another blow to press freedom in Algeria, particularly for journalists covering sensitive issues, even in sports.
Many in the football and media world are calling for Gleizes’ immediate release, condemning what they describe as the criminalisation of journalism and the silencing of free expression under the guise of national security.
The case raises fresh concerns about the increasingly hostile environment for international journalists in the region—even those covering the beautiful game.
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The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has officially unveiled the commemorative logo for its 60th anniversary, marking a major milestone in the Association’s illustrious journey since its establishment in 1964.
The body was founded on February 1, 1964, when a group of journalists met in Lagos. The founding leaders who met at the Broad Street Lagos offices of Daily Times elected Adebayo Thompson of Morning Post as their founding chairman.
Babington Bakare was elected as the vice chairman. The founding secretary was Maurice Domboh of West African Pilot while the treasurer was Ishola Folorunsho of the Radio Nigeria. Cyril Kappo of Daily Times was the inaugural assistant secretary while Ajibade Fashina-Thomas of Daily Times was the publicity secretary.
The ex-officio members were Peter Osugo (Daily Times) and Sola Oluwole of Daily Express.
In reality, SWAN will be celebrating 60 years plus one. According to a press statement by the national executive of SWAN, the unveiling of the anniversary logo signals the beginning of a series of activities lined up to celebrate six decades of outstanding contributions to sports journalism, development, and advocacy in Nigeria.
The logo, creatively designed in vibrant green and white, proudly incorporates the figure “60” and the SWAN emblem — a reflection of the Association’s legacy and enduring impact in the sporting landscape of the country.
A ribbon bearing the inscription “Years Anniversary” boldly affirms the significance of the diamond jubilee.
SWAN President Isaiah Benjamin described the unveiling as a symbolic moment of pride, reflection, and rededication.
“As we unveil this logo, we are not just celebrating the past 60 years, but also reigniting our collective commitment to professionalism, integrity, and the promotion of sports through responsible journalism,” he stated.
He added that the anniversary celebration will feature a rich lineup of activities, including awards, public lectures, media games, recognition of sports icons and veterans, as well as a gala night to honour distinguished personalities who have supported SWAN’s mission over the years.
The three-day anniversary event will be held in October, aligning with Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebration.
The 60th anniversary comes as SWAN intensifies its role in shaping narratives around sports governance, policy, and inclusive participation across all levels.
Members of the media, partners, stakeholders, and the general public are enjoined to join in the celebration of this historic achievement and support the Association’s vision for the future.
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Dr Patrice Motsepe, who was returned unopposed as CAF president on Wednesday in Cairo, has had his first term in office documented.
According to the CAF publication, Motsepe will build on the extensive progress he made during his first term to make African Football globally competitive.
Dr Motsepe’s objective when he first took office in March 2021 was to make African Football self-sustaining and drive growth in several different spheres. The last four years have seen CAF move its development agenda forward at pace with many historic firsts.
These achievements are contained in a publication to mark Dr Motsepe’s first four years as President, titled, ‘The Growth and Success of African Football Continues’, which media can download here
The magazine walks us through Dr Motsepe’s 10-point plan when he took office, and the wide-ranging advances that have been made towards reaching and surpassing his objectives.
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